- ‘Dear Minnesota’ campaign launches.
- U of M Tech Comm launches record number of startups in 2023.
- Features: The doctor who found his place, and the patient and student under his wing; MRI on the move.
- Awards and Recognition: Each U of M campus has been recognized as a leader in its category in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings; and more.
‘Dear Minnesota’ campaign launches
“Dear Minnesota,” the systemwide 2023-24 Driven to Discover campaign, is a love letter to Minnesota in the form of personal messages from faculty, staff, and students to the people of Minnesota. The campaign features stories on topics such as healthy aging, water quality, K-12 education, renewable energy, and more, and invites faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the public to share their own personal messages. Through TV and radio ads, webpages, and social media messages, the campaign highlights the University’s shared passion for improving lives. Explore these stories and share yours at ‘Dear Minnesota.’
U of M Tech Comm launches record number of startups in 2023
The U of M launched a record-breaking 23 startup companies in fiscal year 2023, the result of a growing research portfolio, an increasingly entrepreneurial faculty culture, and years of careful program growth and refinement by the teams at U of M Technology Commercialization (Tech Comm) and its Venture Center.
The doctor who found his place, and the patient and student under his wing
It was a friend who referred Yarrow Song-Brave to “Kook.” It’s a place, he said, where you can get help kicking heroin. A place that cares for you whether you’re insured or not. And, above all, it’s a place where you’ll find a doctor who truly “gets” substance use disorder. Dr. Cuong Pham smiles at the kind words: “I know what it’s like to not be seen, not be heard.” Learn more about the University’s Community-University Health Care Center.
MRI on the move
Michael Garwood, associate director of the University’s Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, is on a mission to make MRIs more accessible to more people. His solution? A portable MRI. This first-of-its-kind compact MRI machine—one that can fit in the bed of a truck—could make this advanced imaging technology available to more people.
Awards and Recognition
Each U of M campus has been recognized as a leader in its category in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings; Fang Li will receive the American Society of Microbiology’s Elizabeth O. King Lecturer Award; a nearly $1.6 million grant is fueling research at the Carlson School to better understand how the rapid flow of information during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted treatments; College of Veterinary Medicine researchers have been awarded an $800,000 USDA grant to create an integrative data platform for major swine disease; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
Nominations open: John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising
The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost’s John Tate Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising identify professional models and celebrate the role that advising plays in the University's educational mission. Recognize excellent undergraduate academic and career advising by nominating a candidate for the Tate award. Nominations are due Jan. 3.
Deadline approaching: Imagine Fund Special Events Grants
Proposals for the Imagine Fund Special Events Grants are open for events commencing late fall 2023 through fall 2024. Events must relate to the areas of the arts, humanities, or design, and include a significant public engagement component. Grants of up to $15,000 are available. Proposals due Sept. 25.
Apply for IAS Research and Creative Collaboratives
The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) Research and Creative Collaboratives support interdisciplinary activities that transcend departmental structures. These self-initiated groups come together with the idea of working on a project of common interest, such as public engagement activities, the creation of a supportive intellectual community, or the exploration of a research area through different disciplines. Conveners may be University faculty, students, or staff, or non-University community members. Budgets of up to $12,000 are available. Applications due Oct 9.
Apply for 2024 Professional Development Grants for Retirees
Grants up to $5,000 are available to University retirees systemwide who are interested in continuing their scholarship or pursuing interesting new projects. Learn more and see the application instructions. Membership in the University of Minnesota Retirees Association is invited but not required.
New FeedbackFruits opportunities for instructors
FeedbackFruits is currently available to all U of M instructors. Get started by joining the upcoming Learning Community (apply by Sept. 29), which provides a structured approach for instructors to start using four peer learning tools and includes a stipend; and/or try out additional tools for fall 2023 by completing the pilot registration form by Sept. 29.
Canvas LTI integration process expanded to 3x per year
Faculty, instructors, and staff can request tool integrations (LTIs) for Canvas. Each tool must go through a formal evaluation, security vetting, and approval process before the tool can be integrated. The DiaLOG Tools group is adding a third request cycle: See Learning Tools for Canvas for details on the request process. Oct. 1 is the next deadline to submit a request for a possible summer 2024 integration.
Reduce stress and save time with Focus on Files in Google Workspace
Faculty and staff can save time and reduce frustration by learning tips to help manage Google Workspace files. Sign up to receive monthly emails with tips and the Office of Information Technology will enter you in a drawing for prizes. Visit Focus on Files to learn more.
New training program will fill vital gap in reforestation efforts
One of the biggest gaps in reforestation efforts in Minnesota is a shortage of native tree seed, which is needed to increase tree nursery capacity. While both the Minnesota DNR and the Forest Assisted Migration Project pay cash for seed and have seed drop-off centers, there is a need for new people to be trained and to begin collecting seed. To meet that gap, Extension is working with partners to develop a tree seed collection training program.
Research Brief: Public health initiatives can support caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s
Most people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) receive some or all of their care from an unpaid relative or friend—a situation that has potentially negative health implications for the caregiver over a sustained period of time. In a new study, School of Public Health researchers highlight several actions that could address critical issues at the intersection of social determinants of health and ADRD caregiving. See additional recent Research Briefs.
Starts Sept. 27 - Personal wellbeing series
Learn practical, evidence-based approaches to help build your personal resilience and enhance your skills and confidence through the four-part virtual Enhancing Personal Wellbeing & Resilience Series. University of Minnesota employees and spouses are able to register for free and earn 200 wellbeing points per workshop through the University of Minnesota's Wellbeing Program
U of M Crookston celebrates certificate completion for first cohort of NXT GEN AG students
The University of Minnesota Crookston’s NXT GEN AG program’s first cohort of students recently completed their coursework and were presented with certificates at a September gathering on campus. The NXT GEN AG program is an initiative designated as a priority through the University of Minnesota System’s strategic planning process, MPact 2025.
Understanding winter lake biology
Ted Ozersky, associate professor and biology faculty member with the Large Lakes Observatory, is the principal investigator on a National Science Foundation project titled "Collaborative Research: Advancing a comprehensive model of year-round ecosystem function in seasonally frozen lakes through networked science." Ozersky will work with three other universities and the Carnegie Institution for Science on the $2.4 million grant, over $1 million of which is designated to UMD.
Sept. 21-23 - Student theatre presents Miscast
Stage 2, the UMD student-run theatre group, presents a play where “the right performers are performing the wrong songs.” Entitled Miscast, the cabaret-type performance was written and will be performed by UMD students. 8 p.m., Marshall Performing Arts Center.
Oct. 9 - Speaker series presents Brett Taber
The UMD Labovitz School of Business and Economics is hosting Brett Taber, vice president of social impact for the Minnesota Vikings, in its Distinguished Speaker Series. The talk is entitled “More Than a Game: Inspiration and Impact Created Through the Power of Sport.” Taber will cover community engagement and the philanthropic efforts of the Vikings. 4 p.m., Weber Music Hall.
Sept. 21 - U of M Morris Healing Ceremony
Spiritual elder Darrell Kingbird, Sr., Red Lake Nation, Chippewa, will lead the annual Morris Healing Ceremony to support the U of M Morris Native American community and campus for understanding, healing, resiliency, strength, and to have a positive experience. U of M Morris aspires to acknowledge the first peoples of this land and this land’s history as a Native American boarding school through curriculum, programming, and partnerships with Native communities, as well as through visual markers on campus. Together, we remember our history, celebrate our present, and welcome our future. 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Cougar men's soccer coach reaches 100 wins
After dominating the early minutes of the match, the U of M Morris men's soccer team won the UMAC opener, defeating rival Martin Luther College 2-1. This was the 100th win for head coach Scott Turnbull.
Sept. 23 - NÆ, synth-pop and electronic artist
The first event of the 2023-24 U of M Morris Performing Arts Series is Chicago-based synth-pop and electronic artist NÆ. 7:30 p.m., Edson Auditorium. In addition to the evening performance, there will be a free workshop with the artist at 1:30 p.m., HFA 6.
Sept. 25 - Morris Community Meal
Sharing food is a key way to build community. The first Morris Community Meal of the academic year will be held at First Lutheran Church, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help cook, set up, and clean up.
Grand opening of Student Life Center
The University of Minnesota Rochester celebrated the grand opening of its new Student Life Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. UMR’s innovative approach to facilities now includes this repurposed hotel space to support residence life, dining, and student activities. Faculty, staff, students, University leaders, and members of the community gathered to celebrate the occasion. Learn more about the Student Life Center.
Research and Discovery Pathway
Discover how Ben Romanauski navigated his time at UMR to prepare himself to pursue a PhD in biomedical engineering at Case Western Reserve University. Romanauski’s research will primarily focus on novel neuromodulation therapies that target chronic pain. UMR's innovative degree programs provide students with a foundational health sciences education through six distinct health career pathways. Learn more about UMR’s Research and Discovery Pathway.
Understanding emergency messages to stay safe on campus
Knowing how to interpret emergency messages while you’re on campus is one way to help you prepare for or respond to an emergency. Review this video and self-paced training to keep informed.
The future of campus
The University has a commitment not just to the larger community, but also to the very buildings that hold so many years of student, faculty, and staff stories. But it must also look to the future to ensure that in 10, 50, or even 100 years, the Twin Cities campus remains a place where people want to create new memories and have the facilities to develop tomorrow’s scientific, intellectual, and cultural breakthroughs. A long-range vision for the campus could transform the way students learn and how the University serves Minnesota.
CAV camp introduces students to emerging technology, career possibilities
In August, 19 Twin Cities area high school students spent a week exploring all aspects of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) during the third annual CAV Career Pathways Camp. The free camp gives students a comprehensive introduction to CAV technology and related careers.
Making it in Minnesota
It was 1976. The marching band director position had been posted at the University of Minnesota and a colleague of “Doc” O’Neill Sanford encouraged him to apply. “Somebody has to open up this field for African Americans,” his colleague had argued. “Maybe it’s you.” His reply? “Minnesota? Are you nuts?” But Sanford would go on to make history as the first Black marching band director in the Big 10 or at any predominantly white institution.
Meet the Masonic Children’s Hospital superstar squad
M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital is a community of champions—including patients, families, care teams, supporters, and friends from the world of sports. From famous football players like Kyle Rudolph to local heroes like Casey O’Brien, meet the superstar squad and click on each digital trading card to flip through the entire collection.
Oct. 4 - Cheney to deliver Carlson Lecture
Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney served as the vice chair of the select committee investigating the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges that democratic institutions face in the modern era. The event is free but tickets are required.
Oct. 9 - First ever ‘Electroposium’ to light up Twin Cities campus
The first-ever Electroposium, hosted by the Technological Leadership Institute, will showcase the cutting-edge technologies driving change in the 21st century. The main hall of McNamara Alumni Center will be transformed into a high-tech exhibit space featuring cutting-edge products and systems related to the conversion of fossil fuel power systems to electricity. Register (free) and learn more. 1–5 p.m.
Oct. 10 - UROC Community Day 2023
Celebrate University-community partnerships at the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center’s (UROC) annual community day with engaging displays, live music, food, and more. A 4 p.m. program hosted by UROC executive director Makeda Zulu will include comments by the University's newly appointed vice provost for public engagement Laurie Van Egeren, a storytelling performance, a preview of UROC's upcoming podcast, Rules of Engagement, and more. Free and open to the public. 3–7 p.m.
Featured events
Sept. 21 - 19th Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Awards
Sept. 22 - Katherine and Arthur Sehlin Memorial Lecture
Sept. 26 - Deconstructing our Clothes: Climate & Human Rights Impacts in the Fashion Industry
Sept. 27 - Liberal Arts Engagement Hub open house
Sept. 28 - Spotlight Series: The Black History of Jazz
Sept. 28 - Caroline Levine: The Activist Humanist - Form and Method in the Climate Crisis
Oct. 11 - CHAI Fall Speaker Series: ‘The Case of the Woman Who’s Apartment Nearly Killed Her’